Yes, according to the IRS, if these expenses were required in order for your son to attend college then they can be deducted.
From the IRS website: Student activity fees and expenses for course-related books, supplies, and equipment are included in qualified education expenses only if the fees and expenses must be paid to the institution as a condition of enrollment or attendance.
More information about the Tuition and Fees Deduction can be found in this link: https://www.irs.gov/publications/p970/ch06.html#en_US_2016_publink100025397
